FOLKESTONE, HYTHE, SANDGATE, AND CHERITON HERALD
known as
FOLKESTONE HERALD
and Chronicle & Observer
JANUARY 1915
2nd January 1915
AIR CUSHIONS FOR THE WOUNDED.
An urgent appeal is made for circular air cushions for the hospital ship Oxfordshire, one of many which are used for the purpose of bringing hundreds of wounded to these shores. When large numbers are conveyed there are not sufficient cots for all, and during stormy weather, when the journeys take considerably longer, the voyage is very painful for those whose wounds may be less serious than those assigned a cot, but who are only able to be placed in certain positions.
Donations or goods should be sent to Mrs. A.B. Zorab, 21. Carlton-crescent, Southampton.
9th January 1915
TO THE TRENCHES AND BACK.
An evening or two ago I was privileged to gaze upon the Christmas gifts sent to our soldiers in the trenches from King George and Queen Mary. Those upon which I looked had been in the front and sent back by the gallant recipient to the old folks at home for safety’s sake. An artistic metal box enclosed a packet of tobacco and a packet of cigarettes; the box, of course, was specially designed for the occasion. Then there was a splendid briar pipe and Christmas cards from both the King and the Queen. They were gifts which will be prized for many years to come. In the present instance the recipient was not seemingly “hard up” for a smoke, for the tobacco and cigarettes were untouched and the pipe unused. Probably it was thought best to keep the gifts intact, and so cherish the kindness which prompted the sending of them more than the intrinsic value of the gifts.
9th January 1915
VEGETABLES FOR THE FORCES.
The Secretary of the Folkestone Gardeners Society said that he received no official communication direct from the Vegetable Products Committee, whose object was the provisioning of our Navy and Army (chiefly the former) with fresh vegetables during the present crisis, but he had been approached by Mr. Brogdale, of the Saltwood Gardener’s Society, to see if local societies could not combine together so as to send packages or vegetables to the Navy.
The matter was discussed, the members generally agreeing that nothing in the way of sending vegetables could be done in this locality. Some mention was also made of the possibility of arranging a concert with a view to aiding the vegetable Products Committee financially, but this was thought to be impossible owing to the fact that public halls were occupied by troops. Eventually, however, the Chairman proposed that £1 be subscribed from the funds. This was seconded by Mr. Church and unanimously agreed to, it being understood that if funds permitted later on further subscriptions would be sent.
Votes of thanks were accorded to the officers of the Society for their past year’s work, and also to the honorary members.
16th January 1915
WOUNDED SOLDIERS AND SOUTHAMPTON ROUTE.
To the Editor.
Sirs, I should like to follow up a recent comment in ‘The Herald’ and ask what the sense of taking wounded men to Southampton from Boulogne is. Only a week ago an officer whose people were at Folkestone were obliged to go to Southampton and London, where he now remains. In his case a rough sea journey would have been most injurious, and yet he was obliged to risk it. Though he offered to pay his own fare, it was found he would have to obtain permission from the Admiralty to land.
It is a 20 hours journey from Boulogne to Southampton and London, and a far greater expense than allowing the wounded to come the short sea journey of 1 and a half hours direct from Boulogne and a train journey of 1 and three-quarters hours to London.
A Mother.
16th January 1915
WAR TIME APPEALS.
BOOKS FOR SOLDIERS.
To the Editor.
Sir, May I appeal for the support of your readers for the admirable work which Colonel Sir Edward Ward has undertaken?
He has established a Central Depot in London from which lending libraries may be formed at the various camps of the New Army and the Territorial Forces. To this Depot all applications for lending libraries will be addressed, and the books will be despatched to the camps asking for them. A short time ago Sir Edward Ward suggested that some of the books should be sent to our soldiers at the front. How greatly these books are appreciated may be gathered from the following extract of a letter written by an officer in the trenches:-
“December 27th, 1914.
I am extremely grateful for the books, which are even now being read in the trenches. I think books are even more appreciated than tobacco, for they pass the weary hours of day when only a few have to keep a look-out, and the rest sit at the bottom of the trench having nothing to do.”
All communications and contributions of books and magazines, carriage paid, should be sent to the Hon. Mrs. Anstruther, Hon.-Secretary, Depot of Camps Lending Library, 22, Earl-street, Westminster, S.W. Donations to help to defray the expenses of the scene will also be very thankfully received.
I venture to hope that the people of Kent will be able to spare some of the their books in order to cheer many a dull hour among those who are giving such splendid and devoted service to their country.
H.W. Forster.
41, Hans-place, London, S.W.
30th January 1915
THE WAR.
BOROUGH OF FOLKESTONE.
PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR.
TO THE PEOPLE OF FOLKESTONE.
Although there is no fresh reason to expect an attack either by sea or air I think it desirable, in view of what has taken place elsewhere, to issue the following instructions which have been approved by the War Office and the Admiralty, to be observed in the event of such an attack being made:-
“(1) Inhabitants of houses should go into the cellars or lower rooms. If the houses are on the sea front where they are exposed to direct fire from the sea, the inhabitants should leave by the back door and seek shelter elsewhere.
(2) Gathering into crowds or watching the bombardment from an exposed position may lead to unnecessary loss of life.
(3) If an aircraft is seen or heard overhead, crowds should disperse, and all persons if possible take shelter.
(4) Unexploded shell or bombs should not be touched as they may burst of moved; the local military authorities should be informed where they are , as soon as this can be done safely.”
If a bomb were to fall near anyone, he should, if possible, fall flat on the ground until the danger attending the explosion is over.
I especially caution persons against going into the open if they are under cover, should they hear an explosion or firing. Those under cover should remain so (subject as mentioned in No. 1 above), and those in the open should seek cover immediately.
As a precaution it would be well for householders to provide themselves with a supply of candles or other means of lighting in case it should be found desirable to temporarily stop the supply of Gas and Electricity.
In the unlikely event of an attack from the sea warning will be given by cyclists riding along the streets and ringing a handbell; and similarly warning will be given on the appearance of enemy aircraft, if time permits.
Stephen Penfold. Mayor.
27th January 1915.
30th January 1915
WRITING PAPER ETC., FOR THE TROOPS AT THE FRONT.
Scarcely a letter do we read from our brave lads in which he writer does not express a wish for writing materials, etc. Hitherto there has been some difficulty in sending a supply so that it might be preserved from damage consequent on damp and warlike conditions. The proprietors of Parsons’ Library (next Post Office) have, so to speak, stepped into the breach with “just the very thing.” It takes the form of a water proof compendium, containing notepaper, envelopes, postcards, and pencil, and is fixed at the low figure of 1s. 6d. The compendium is a model of compactness, as our soldiers readily admit. Then amongst other articles that might be exceedingly useful are writing pads, complete with envelopes from 7 and a half pence, stylo and fountain pens in all makes, Thermos and auto-therm flasks, map cases, combination knife, fork and spoon to carry in pockets, etc. Both officers and men who are about to proceed to the front will do well to pay a visit to Parsons’ Library. It will be clearly to their advantage.
30th January 1915 Folkestone Herald
THE SOLDIERS AT LEISURE.
A PEEP INTO SOME OF THE CLUBS.
AT THE WOODWARD HALL.
The passer-by in the streets of Folkestone and neighbouring localities this winter frequently notices inscriptions on many buildings which were not to be seen a short twelve months ago.
The two words, “Soldiers’ Club,” the sign now so often displayed, reminds the observer that among changes in the normal life of this country brought about by the present gigantic struggle in which the nation is engaged in the establishment of a new social institution, which has although been in existence but a few months, already come to be accepted as part of the ordinary features of the borough.
The clubs are designed to meet the needs of the hosts or young men now training in Kitchener’s Army during their leisure hours. Perhaps it is hardly correct to describe them as new, for in connection with garrisons there have of late years always existed institutions catering for the social life of Tommy Atkins, but the present multiplicity of soldiers’ clubs, so that one finds them in all quarters of the town, is altogether new.
The passer-by may sometimes wonder what is the manner of their proceedings, and what kind of scene is presented by the interior of these buildings, whose portals, while standing freely open to any and every man wearing the King’s uniform, are barred to the ordinary civilian. The passer-by’s curiosity may at times rise to a wish to observe “the gentleman on khaki” at his leisure, and to note how he occupies himself after a hard day of military training.
A visitor to one of the chief and most representative of the soldiers’ clubs in the town, the Woodward club, held in the Woodward Institute, on entering the large hall on a recent evening found it full of soldiers, all engaged in various pursuits. The room, brightly illuminated, well warmed, and gaily decorated, presented an animated and happy scene. There were miniature billiard tables, each with its quota of players, and the click of the balls mingled with the sounds from a neighbouring table, where a keenly contested game of table tennis - the erstwhile highly popular “ping-pong” - was in progress.
The hall buzzed with conversation, but at the lower end there was silence among the soldiers. The cause, the visitor found was that the men were industriously engaged in writing letters - to parents, brothers and sisters, or perhaps somebody else’s sister. One noted that they were well supplied with everything in the way of writing requisites, and in an adjacent corner was a “post office” for the purchase of stamps and the posting of letters. . Passing up the room, other soldiers were to be seen absorbed in the light literature provided at the reading tables.
At the upper end of the hall was the admirable canteen or refreshment bar, one of the most useful features of the Club. It was enjoying a large amount of custom, and it was evident that the provision of the bar is fully appreciated by the men.
Passing down a passage, the visitor was ushered into the “Silence Room,” where several soldiers were busy writing. This feature of the Club is of great convenience to those who wish to write and read in quiet, away from the talk and bustle of the large hall, and the room is also used for short services.
A very enjoyable concert was given on the evening of the visit, a number of talented local people taking part in the programme. The soldiers’ appreciation of the delightful songs, music, and recitations was very hearty. Concerts are given twice weekly, and in addition to contributions by ladies and gentlemen from outside, soldiers with talent are encouraged to take part in the entertainment of their comrades.
In the midst of the happy scene a glance at the notice board reminded one of the grim work that the men one saw around one are presently to be called upon to face. The board bore a cutting giving some hints to recruits “from an officer in the trenches,” and also there was an announcement that three times weekly lessons are given in French, a knowledge of which language will prove to be invaluable to the men when they go across the Channel.
All type of soldiers were gathered in the hall - laughing, talking, reading or playing, or quietly thinking, and all looking very fit. There was the spruce cavalryman, the sturdy infantryman or gunner - differing in their social circumstances and outlook on life, but all, from whatever homes they had come, “comrades in arms,” and fraternising under one hospitable roof. One reflected how in many cases the young fellows had doubtless made great sacrifices in answering their country’s c all, and one was impressed also by the untiring devotion of the ladies and gentlemen helping at the Club.
The splendid behaviour of the men using the Club has given great gratification to those carrying on the institution. In all the months that it has been open not a single electric light bulb has been broken, and the soldiers have generally conducted themselves in a most praiseworthy way.
One of the chief features of the clubroom is a shooting range, which is highly popular with the soldiers. Every evening the range is used, and it affords great amusement and pleasure to the “Tommies.” This was introduced by Mr. F.H. Haden, the son of the Rev. F.W. Haden, Vicar of All Souls’.
Games of various kinds are indulged in, and another excellent feature is the provision of notepaper, ink, pens, and blotting paper for the men, who are thus able to write home without difficulty. Light refreshments are obtainable and lady helpers are in at attendance all the evening. Evening papers are provided and the men in khaki are able to read all the latest war news. Books of every kind are also to be obtained, and book lovers are well supplied. The vicar pays a visit every evening to the Club, which is open from 5.30 to 9 o’clock, and also on Sunday afternoons and evenings.
Equally good work is being done at other Soldier’s Clubs. Those to which reference is made have been simply picked out to illustrate the value of these institutions.
FEBRUARY 1915
6th February 1915
SPEED OF MOTORS.
The Deputy Clerk read a letter from a resident in Seabrook-road, who complained of the great speed of the motor buses along the road. The speed seemed to be greater at night, when the vehicles of the various companies tried to race each other.
Councillor R. Cobay moved that a letter be written to the Folkestone and District Road Car Company asking them to decrease the speed.
Alderman Ashdown asked if they were quite helpless in the matter. He also asked if it was not a fact that some of the cars weighed 4 and half tons. Many of them raced along the Seabrook-road at 20 miles per hour. The Deputy Clerk said cars over 3 tons were supposed not to go faster than 12 miles per hour.
6th February 1915
THOUGHTS AND FANCIES.
Hands Across the Sea.
An extraordinarily long letter reaches me this week from Toronto in Canada; to a certain extent it makes up for the absence of epistles which “The Herald,” so far as Hythe is concerned, has recently experienced from that region. The writer merely desires to be known as “Hyther,” though he confides his name and address into my care.
My correspondent proceeds to talk of unemployment and says that there were, on an average, 3,000 to 5,000 out of work through the whole of last summer. (I presume that “Hyther” is referring to Toronto alone.) It appears that the City Council gives out work and utilizes as many men as possible during a week; 2,000 will be given to days work, and then another 2,00 will be given a chance while the others are stood off until their turn comes round again. They are paid about 8s. 4d. per day. At the present time, writes my friend, about 11,000 men are registered as being unemployed and if all were registered the number would easily come up to 15,000 or 17,000. There is a lot of destitution, but societies are doing their best to give all these at least one meal a day. The present position, he says, is not all due to the War, as most of the men are too old for service with the Canadian Militia into which the young men have flocked as no doubt is known in England. Canada, the writer opines, will probably be “rocky” or “slack” for another two years at least, after which time she may pick up a bit.”